Implant after radiotherapy

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Hi everyone I'm on a waiting list for delayed reconstruction already had Pre op but seriously doubting the choice. I'm 51 and diagnosis November 2016 but couldn't have immediate reconstruction so use a prosthesis or go flat on one side which being small bust isn't too bad. I do struggle with pain from bra though so was considering reconstruction to make things easier.

Surgeon said he will do Lipo twice to soften and prepare skin for stretching then an expander However I keep seeing Implant after radiotherapy doesn't work and  read another old post of someone definitely being told it won't work. I asked surgeon who said he's pushing it a bit but my skin is healthy and not to compare to others  Anyone else had Implant after radiotherapy with success or not many thanks.

  • Hi Optimistic

    I'm 51 and had a mastectomy in May 2017 with immediate reconstruction using a temporary expander implant ,  I then went on to have 15 rounds of radiotherapy.  i have just had the temporary expander replaced by a permanent one, I didn't experience any problems with my skin.  I know its not the same as you'll be having but just wanted to say that my skin was fine despite having RT.

    Hope all goes well for you.

    Best wishes

    LENNIE01

  • Thankyou so much for taking the time to answer. I've posted on another forum too and just  can't seem to get a response. Can I ask if you are generally happy with the result and does it look fairly natural. Thanks xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Optimistic

    Hi ,

    I had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction so again not the same as you, however I had 15 treatments of Radiotherapy and my skin is no different than it was was before the radiotherapy. I didn’t really get any redness or pain. I moisturised a lot two/ three times a day. 

    My surgeon actually said that my breast wouldn’t look the same after radiotherapy but it does. 

    Obviously I can only speak for myself, my treatment isn’t the same as yours.

    Hopefully someone else will see this and be able to answer you properly.

    Wishing you all the best x